§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what response the Government have made to the international plutonium disposition initiatives undertaken by President Clinton's administration; and if he will make a statement. [7317]
481W
§ Mr. Tony LloydInternational expert discussions on the disposal of surplus US and Russian military plutonium have concluded that the two most promising options are the conversion of plutonium into MOX (mixed oxide of both plutonium and uranium) fuel and its subsequent consumption in nuclear power reactors, and the immobilisation of plutonium through vitrification. The UK was involved in these discussions and supports these conclusions. Future discussions are likely to focus on the most effective means of implementing these disposal options in the US and Russia. The UK will continue to participate fully in international consideration of this issue.